Weight
84g
Thickness
5.4mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
158.5x150.5
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Andrzej Grubba (Classic Design)
Butterfly Andrzej Grubba (Classic Design) is a legendary 5-ply all-wood blade, celebrated for its exceptional control and feel. Named after the dynamic Polish player Andrzej Grubba, it embodies his all-round style with flexible, responsive feedback. This blade provides a balanced platform perfect for developing players to build skills and for experienced players seeking a reliable tool for controlled offensive and defensive play. It delivers a consistent experience, empowering confident execution of everything from delicate short game touches to powerful attacking strokes.
The blade uses a classic 5-ply all-wood stack. The outer ply is a soft Anigre wood, while the inner plies are standard wood composites. This construction is designed to prioritize flexibility, feel, and control, allowing for good dwell time that helps players impart more spin and achieve higher ball arcs.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Andrzej Grubba is classified as ALL+, indicating a speed that leans towards offensive play while remaining firmly in the all-round category. Our testing shows its inherent flexibility and wood construction create a moderate speed ceiling. It excels more in controlled attacks and counter-play rather than outright power drives, making it fast enough for offense but balanced for consistency.
Control is the blade's defining strength. Its flexibility and ample dwell time create exceptional ball feel and precision, making shot placement accurate and managing the ball near the table intuitive. This high level of control is a major benefit for developing players and anyone whose game relies on smart placement and spin manipulation.
The blade offers a distinct, somewhat woody feel with noticeable vibration that many players find enhances ball feedback. While flexible overall, it can present a medium-hard sensation on clean strikes, providing a satisfying balance between dampening and directness. This feel is key for players who rely on sensing impact to fine-tune their shots.
The combination of flexible wood construction and good dwell time generally produces a medium to medium-high throw angle. This is especially true when paired with faster rubbers, allowing for higher, spinny arcs that are ideal for offensive looping play.
The 5-ply all-wood construction contributes to a notably long dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the blade. This extended contact enhances spin generation and gives players more control, particularly during looping and heavy spin exchanges.
Described as a flexible blade, Andrzej Grubba allows for good bending on impact. This aids in spin generation and control, forming the core of its all-round capabilities. The flexibility enables a wider range of strokes and a softer, more forgiving feel compared to stiffer blades.
Andrzej Grubba exhibits a noticeable level of vibration, which translates into excellent ball feedback. Players find this helps them understand the ball's trajectory and impact quality. This characteristic is generally perceived positively, directly contributing to the blade's renowned feel and control.
Butterfly's renowned manufacturing quality is evident in the Andrzej Grubba. Players report it as well-built and durable, capable of lasting for years with proper care. The classic design is robust and reliable, offering a sense of solid craftsmanship that matches its performance.
Technology
Butterfly Andrzej Grubba (Classic Design) embodies traditional blade craftsmanship through its 5-ply all-wood construction. This method leverages the natural properties of wood—flexibility, dwell time, and vibration feedback—to achieve specific playing characteristics. Unlike modern composite blades that use materials like carbon for enhanced speed, the Grubba focuses on a direct connection with the ball. This approach helps players develop a nuanced understanding of spin and placement, making it a staple for those who value feel and control above all else.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Andrzej Grubba
The blade is famously named after Andrzej Grubba, the highly respected Polish player known for his dynamic all-round style and powerful backhand. He was instrumental in popularizing this model, as its control and feel perfectly complemented his precise shot-making and consistent play close to the table. His endorsement cemented its reputation as a top choice for all-round players worldwide.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Petr Korbel
Butterfly Petr Korbel is another highly regarded 5-ply all-wood blade sharing many traits with the Andrzej Grubba. Both are known for excellent control, good feel, and all-round suitability. TTSensei experts note the Korbel is often cited as a slightly faster alternative, offering a bit more offensive potential while maintaining high control and dwell time, making it a popular step-up for players looking for more power from a similar platform.
Donic Waldner Allplay
Donic Waldner Allplay is a classic 5-ply all-wood blade also celebrated for its control and all-round capabilities. It's frequently recommended for developing players and those preferring a controlled offensive or defensive style. Like the Andrzej Grubba, it provides good dwell time and feel, making spin generation and consistent placement easier. Many players find it a very similar option in terms of playability and target audience.